Abstract
Vegetarian diets have gained popularity in sports. However, few data exist on the status of micronutrients and related biomarkers for vegetarian and vegan athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the micronutrient status of omnivorous (OMN, n = 27), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, n = 26), and vegan (VEG, n = 28) recreational runners. Biomarkers of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and iron were assessed. Additionally, serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were examined. Lifestyle factors and supplement intake were recorded via questionnaires. About 80% of each group showed vitamin B12 adequacy with higher levels in supplement users. Mean red blood cell folate exceeded the reference range (>340 nmol/L) in all three groups (OMN: 2213 ± 444, LOV: 2236 ± 596, and VEG: 2354 ± 639 nmol/L; not significant, n.s.). Furthermore, vitamin D levels were comparable (OMN: 90.6 ± 32.1, LOV: 76.8 ± 33.7, and VEG: 86.2 ± 39.5 nmol/L; n.s.), and we found low prevalence (<20%) of vitamin D inadequacy in all three groups. Less than 30% of each group had depleted iron stores, however, iron deficiency anemia was not found in any subject. Our findings suggest that a well-planned, health-conscious lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diet, including supplements, can meet the athlete’s requirements of vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron.
Highlights
Micronutrients such as vitamins as well as major and trace minerals are involved in various metabolic processes important to physical performance [1]
Vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin (Holo-TC) in serum were determined with the use of the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method (ECLIA) on cobas®test systems
50.0% of VEG, 23.1% of LOV, and 11.1% of OMN had low levels (
Summary
Micronutrients such as vitamins as well as major and trace minerals are involved in various metabolic processes important to physical performance [1]. Regular physical activities are associated with several biochemical training adaptations like an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes or increased blood formation, which, as a result, cause higher micronutrient requirements. Due to increased physical stress, through increased sweating and losses via urine, feces, and foot-strike hemolysis, athletes might have increased requirements of several micronutrients like iron and zinc. There is well-defined research that underlines the fact that an inadequate micronutrient status compromises physical performance and regeneration capacity, whereas the risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) increases [4,5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
